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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/09/1991MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting July 9, 1991 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Joe McComb Council Members: Cezar Galindo Leo Guerrero Betty Jean Longoria Edward Martin Dr. David McNichols Clif Moss Mary Pat Slavik City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney James R. Bray, Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Bryan Sharp, Director of Youth Ministry of Windsor Park Church of Christi; a vocal rendition of the Star Spangled Banner was given by Eduardo Lopez; and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Mayor Rhodes. Mayor Rhodes called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 2, 1991, and there being no additions or corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented, * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 8, and Council Members requested that Items 2, 4, 5 and 6 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 1. M91-179 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 540 magnesium anodes in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0154-91 with Harco Corporation, Spring, MICROFJLMEO Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 9, 1991 Page 2 Texas, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $52,032. The term of the contract shall be twelve months with option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 3. M91-181 Motion approving the purchase of two hydraulic power units, two paving breakers and two impact wrenches in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0200-91 from Commercial Body Corporation, San Antonio, Texas, for the total amount of $14,705, based on low bid meeting specifications. The equipment was budgeted in the FY 90- 91 Capital Outlay by Gas and Wastewater Departments. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 7. ORDINANCE NO. 021191 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A USE PRIVILEGE AGREEMENT WITH CHAMPLIN REFINING AND CHEMICALS, INC. TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN TWO (2) 3 -INCH PVC CONDUITS UNDER THE NUECES BAY BOULEVARD STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY IN SUNSET PLACE SUBDIVISION AND ESTABLISHING A USE FEE OF $550; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 8. SECOND READING PROVIDING FOR FORFEITURE OF OFFICE BY A MEMBER OF THE PLANNING OR ETHICS COMMISSION OR THE CIVIL SERVICE BOARD/COMMISSION FOR FAILURE TO FILE FINANCIAL INFORMATION REPORT; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance was passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." s s* a•*• x s s e s e Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 9, 1991 Page 3 Relative to Item 2, approving a supply agreement for approximately 100 pre- fabricated fiberglass manhole structures, Council Member Slavik inquired about a more reasonable substitute product, and City Manager Garza answered that this is the most inexpensive product. In regard to Item 4, approving the purchase of two portable defibrillator/monitors, Council Member Slavik inquired about disposal of the old units, and City Manager Garza explained that parts from the old units are salvaged and used when necessary. On Item 5, approving the purchase of four overhead doors for the Oso Wastewater Treatment Plant, Council Member McNichols inquired about the use of aluminum doors versus stainless steel, and Victor Medina, Public Utilities Director, discussed the expected life of aluminum doors versus stainless steel and explained the rationale for choosing stainless steel doors. Responding to a question from Council Member Slavik on Item 6, purchase of a sewer vacuum truck, City Manager Garza stated that the truck which is being replaced was purchased in 1981. In order to check into questions raised by Council Members Moss and Martin in regard to replacement, City Manager Garza withdrew Item 6. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following items were passed: 2. M91-180 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 100 pre -fabricated fiberglass manhole structures in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0208-91 with Davis - McAllen Pipe and Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $72,218.58. The term of the contract shall be twelve months with option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. The fiberglass manhole structures are utilized in the wastewater system. Funds have been budgeted for FY 90-91 and requested for FY 91-92 by the Wastewater Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 4. M91-182 Motion approving the purchase of two portable defibrillator/monitors in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0214-91 from Physio -Control Corporation, Redmond, WA, based on best bid for a total of $19,102.20. These items are listed in the FY 90-91 Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 9, 1991 Page 4 Capital Outlay as one additional and one replacement item and will be used by Emergency Medical Services. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 5. M91-183 Motion approving the purchase of four overhead doors for the Oso Wastewater Treatment Plant in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0236-91 from Coastal Door Products, Corpus Christi, Texas, for the amount of $34,100, based on low bid. The doors were budgeted in the FY 90-91 Capital Outlay. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 6. Withdrawn Motion approving the purchase of a sewer vacuum truck in accordance with Bid Wastewater Services in the FY 90 91 Capital Outlay. s s•*: s x a s x City Attorney Bray commented briefly on the lawsuit seeking to restructure Corpus Christi's electoral system, and City Manager Garza stated that this matter will be discussed in closed session during next week's Council Meeting. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and liaison reports. Council Member Slavik commented in regard to the litter left by citizens after the July 4th parade, and City Manager Garza advised that the City attempts to have the event coordinators agree to pick up their own trash. He noted that the City does the actual clean up after parades. Mrs. Slavik inquired if the feedlot at Edroy could be contaminating the City's drinking water, and City Manager Garza stated that he would check into the situation. Mrs. Slavik inquired about the educational qualifications of Tomas Duran, and City Manager Garza stated that Mr. Duran has a Bachelors Degree in Economics. Council Member Longoria requested a report on the homes located in the multi- cultural center, relative to ownership, rent, and maintenance of the area. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 9, 1991 Page 5 Responding to a question from Council Member McNichols, City Manager Garza stated that there has been no significant change in water levels since the recent rainfall. Dr. McNichols commented about the report on the second party notification procedures in regard to the payment of utilities and inquired if the City has the availability for notifying a relative if an elderly or mentally incapacitated person does not respond to the notices. City Manager Garza stated that the City is in the process of establishing a process. He discussed an electronic draft and stated that the citizens will be informed of the procedure. Dr. McNichols requested that the copies of the latest ordinances pertaining to the regulations of waterways be given to him this week. Council Member Martin inquired if the City is releasing water at this time, and City Manager Garza responded that at this time the releases have ended but they will begin again in September. Mr. Martin requested a copy of the recent report issued by the Water Technical Advisory Committee. Mayor Rhodes stated that Judge Robert Barnes had inquired if the City wanted to amend the agreement whereby the County is the lead sponsor of the MHMR program and makes all appointments to that board. It was the consensus of the Council that the agreement not be amended at this time. Mrs. Rhodes read an excerpt of a letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy expressing appreciation for the Council's support of the Naval Air Hospital. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, spoke about the US Constitution and Bill of Rights and questioned the use of public funds for the promotion of religion. Mr. Vic Menard, a member of the Special Olympics Council, commented about the South Texas Beach party event on CC Beach sponsored by the South Texas Special Olympics. Mr. Philip Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, requested the Council to reverse their decision on last week's zoning case regarding a home -care facility. Mr. Ralph James, Route 2, Cessions Road, requested that a "dead-end" sign or a "no dumping" sign be installed at the end of his street by the Westside Landfill. Mr. Jimmy Till, 1265 Southern Minerals Road, commented in regard to the proposed park on Shoreline Boulevard. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 9, 1991 Page 6 Mayor Rhodes declared a five-minute recess. Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and called for the presentation on the City clean up. Bill Hennings, Development Services Director, introduced the presentation regarding the City's efforts to keep Corpus Christi clean. Kelly Elizondo, Senior Director of Community Development, reviewed the primary purpose of Neighborhood Improvement. He stated that three areas of focus are the removal of junk motor vehicles, care premise issues and building conditions. He estimated that this year the department will process about 11,000 complaints or service requests. Mr. Elizondo displayed video slides of sub standard buildings and conditions of vacant lots. He responded to specific questions from the Council and gave an explanation of the department's complaint process. Council Member Galindo recommended that during the budget discussions, it would be appropriate to reconsider the priorities of Neighborhood Improvement by providing them assistance in the area of computerization. Bob Bruner, Sanitation Director, presented a general overview of the operations of the Solid Waste Department. With the aid of slides, he discussed the removal of brush and debris. Council Member McNichols commented in regard to the confusion among the citizens as to what items can be picked up, when they can be picked up, etc. He inquired about the feasibility of informing the public of what material can be handled by Solid Waste. Mr. Bruner advised that an educational program is needed to establish the rules and should be followed by the enforcement of those rules. Mr. Bruner responded to a series of specific questions raised by the Council. Discussion ensued and Mr. Bruner reviewed the procedures regarding the pick up of brush, large appliances and tires. Victor Medina, Public Utilities Director, presented an informational report regarding the functions of the Storm Water Department. He gave a slide presentation depicting the drainage ditches and stated that three goals in the department would be to enhance City services, mobilize community services, and educate the public in order to change attitudes and behavior. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 9, 1991 Page 7 Following a broad discussion by the Council, Mr. Hennings called attention to a detailed report from the Legal Department relative to legal tools for the clean up of the City. Mr. Garza summarized the presentation and stated that he is aware that public safety and cleanliness of the City are important to the Council. He stated that next week he will present a recommendation covering the educational components, re-establishing the Keep America Beautiful Program, consideration of a system for Neighborhood Improvement, additional litter crews, additional brush collection crews and one trash enforcement officer. Mr. Medina responded to specific questions raised by the Council regarding the mowing and maintenance performed by his department. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. John Wyeth offered suggestions of how other cities handle their clean ups. Mayor Rhodes declared a five-minute recess. ............. Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and called for the presentation on the utilities budget. City Manager Garza advised that in the proposed budget he has recommended a rate increase for gas and wastewater. Victor Medina, Public Utilities Director, presented a synopsis of the utilities budget and discussed major expenditures. He stated that the strategy in consolidating the water, wastewater and gas utilities was designed to achieve a stronger credit rating that would enhance the City's ability to finance improvements and address the needs of the wastewater system. He stated that at that time, a wastewater capital improvement program was outlined which proposed some significant rate increases, stating that the consolidation of the utilities made possible the City's undertaking of infrastructure improvements while holding down rate increases. In summation Mr. Medina stated that although the Gas Division shows a healthy fund balance, a six -percent increase is recommended to maintain an adequate fund balance in the combined utilities. He stated that the six -percent increase recommended for Wastewater will generate approximately $900,000 in additional revenues to help accommodate operation costs and allow an ending balance of $1.7 million, but is not sufficient to finance capital budgets. Council Member Slavik expressed concern about the increase in salaries and requested a written report in this regard. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 9, 1991 Page 8 A question and answer period followed, and Council Member Martin expressed concern about the debt service figure, and Mr. Medina discussed the previous gas and water increases and stated that revenue, as approved by Council, was given to Wastewater. Mr. Martin requested material regarding that action taken by the Council. Council Member Guerrero inquired how the capital expenditures in Wastewater will be funded, and City Manager Garza stated that when he presents the Capital Improvement Program for Wastewater, he will recommend an increase in the water rates to support the debt service for those wastewater bonds. He stated that the Southside Plant is not a part of his proposal. Following a broad discussion, Council Member Slavik requested a written report justifying why the Council combined the utilities. She expressed concern about the high rate increases and noted that there is a large reserve fund in the Water Department. Council Member Martin questioned the proposed rate increases. He stated that a commitment was made that the City would not raise wastewater rates on the old system and the next wastewater rate increase would be based upon a different system of rate increases. Council Member Galindo commented about the City's reserves and expressed concern about the rate increases. He suggested borrowing from the reserves, and Council Member Slavik concurred. Discussion ensued and City Manager Garza elaborated on the reasons for not depleting the reserves in the Utility Fund. Mayor Rhodes declared a dinner break until 6:30 p.m. Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and called for comments from outside agencies that receive funding from the City. Area Economic Development Mr. Gary Bushell, representing the Area Economic Development Corporation, stated that they are losing $100,000 in Private Industry Council funds because of a change in regulations. He requested a ten -percent increase in all of their funding sources including their private membership. In lieu of the Private Industry Council fund reduction, Mayor Pro Tem McComb made a motion to approve the additional $25,000 for the EDC, and Mayor Rhodes suggested waiting on the recommendations until after the public hearing, and Mr. McComb withdrew his motion. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 9, 1991 Page 9 Mr. McComb stated that there will be a request from the Convention and Visitors Bureau for $25,000 of excess revenues collected in fiscal year 90-91 from the hotel motel tax to reimburse them for the money that they are paying the EDC in their efforts to bring the Lady Lex to Corpus Christi. Art Museum of South Texas City Manager Garza noted that their request is for $25,000 for operating costs and $50,000 for capital. He stated that the $50,000 could be dealt with from major maintenance in the Convention and Visitors Fund. Ms. Lillian Murray, Director of the Art Museum, discussed the justification for the additional $25,000 operating expense. Arts Community Center City Manager Garza stated that he concurs with their request and it is included in the budget. CC Symphony City Manager Garza mentioned that the budget request and recommendation remain the same - $12,000. CCISD Contract City Manager agrees with the request for a reciprocal facility use agreement - $16,000. CCISD - Washington School City Manager agrees with the request for the lease of school for emergency shelter, various community programs - $ 36,529, Heart of Corpus Christi City Manager Garza advised that the Heart of Corpus Christi is in agreement with the recommendation of $100,000. Council Member Galindo expressed concern about the production of the Heart of Corpus Christi. He requested that consideration be given to consolidating the Heart of Corpus Christi under the Economic Development Corporation. Council Member Slavik commented in regard to the creation of the management district. She expressed concern about the $100,000. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 9, 1991 Page 10 City Manager Garza explained the justification for the $100,000 for the Heart of Corpus Christi. Mental Health (MHMR) Mr. Garza stated that the request was for $85,000 and he is recommending $60,000. Mr. Mike Crutchfield and Mr. Aaron Diaz, representing the Nueces County Mental Health Retardation Center, stated that they are requesting an increase of $25,000, noting that the support provided by the City has not increased since 1985. They indicated that the additional funding would be used to provide better services and provide services to at least 200 residents who currently need services and are on a waiting list. The representatives of MHMR were requested to provide information regarding their funding from the County in the Friday mail packet. Council Member Martin discussed the agreement between the City and the County regarding MHMR and the Economic Development Corporation, whereby the City agreed to take the lead role in funding the EDC, and the County agreed to take the lead role in the funding of the MHMR program. He stated that the City's funding of MHMR needs to he at an equitable and fair amount but this agency is not the City's agency. Council Member Slavik concurred with Mr. Martin. Ouincentenary Commission Mayor Rhodes stated stated the newest data received from the Commission changes their $2,000 additional funding request from insurance to the paid staff person. Tourist & Cony. Fund contract City Manager agrees with the request for a General Fund transfer to Tourist and Convention Fund - $334,181. Harbor Playhouse City Manager Garza stated that he agreed to their request of $25,000 and is also recommending to set aside monies for maintenance items in the convention center complex. Mr. Rick Hutchins, Director of the Harbor Playhouse, discussed their original funding request and stated that he will meet with the City Manager to discuss the funding because of a misinterpretation in the request. He was asked to provide justification for the funding and also an operating budget of the Harbor Playhouse. Minutes • Regular Council Meeting July 9, 1991 Page 11 Mayor Rhodes declared that next week the Council will make major decisions on the funding for the Area Economic Development Corporation, the Art Museum of South Texas, the Heart of Corpus Christi, MHMR, Quincentenary Commission, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Harbor Playhouse, Lexington request, additional police officers, an animal control officer, a custodian at Lindale Community Center, and funds for restoring the book account. Council Member Martin requested that assumptions be identified when the revised revenue estimates are provided. The Council agreed to begin next week's Council Meeting at 12:00 noon. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. on July 12, 1991. . * r . . . + . r . * s + I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of July 9, 1991, which were approved by the City Council on July 16, 1991. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 20th day of August, 1991. aais Armando Chapa City Secretary I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of July 2, 1991, which were approved by the City Council on July 9, 1991. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 20th day of August, 1991. Armando &tr Arm City Secretary